If you’re interested in freelance writing, even as a part-time gig, this is the place for you.

All this week I’m going to share what I’ve learned about freelance writing over the past six years. I’m basing the posts on questions I remember having when I was starting out and also those asked in my Questions post a little while back. If you’ve thought of more questions on freelance writing, please share them in the comments!

OK, so as I see it, the first step in pursuing a freelance writing career is figuring out whether freelance writing is really for you.

Just like not everyone was cut out to be a doctor or lawyer, not everyone is meant to be a freelance writer. I personally love the freedom of researching and writing from home on assignments that interest me, but not everyone enjoys such work, a lack of structure, and a solitary working environment.

Here are:

Five Characteristics Every Freelance Writer Should Have (Or Be Willing to Work On):

1. Good writing and grammar skills. You don’t need to know everything right now, but it certainly helps to know the basics. If you’re not sure whether your writing is effective and more or less grammatically correct, ask someone whose writing you like to read and critique it.

Also, I always keep two books handy: a good dictionary and The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White.

2. Self-motivated. No one will know if you show up for work except you (and your bank account), so you really have to be able to push yourself to work when you’d rather be flipping through magazines or, ahem, out walking the dogs (or baby goat).

My best advice is to keep a regular work schedule just as you would if you had an office job, and if you want extra time off here and there, work ahead to earn it.

Some people also suggest you dress for work as you normally would as well, but I personally work much better in comfy track suits and also spend zero time getting ready for work in the morning, which leaves me more time to write, take walks, and read magazines. But if you feel and, most importantly, work better in a suit, have at it!

3. Determined and not easily discouraged. Rejection is a part of the freelance writing business for *everyone.* Don’t take it personally.

You’ll apply for far more jobs than you’ll secure, and you’ll send out far more query letters than assignments received. That’s normal. Just keep pushing ahead and building a name for yourself and eventually the work will come to you. Really!

I know, I didn’t believe that either when I started out–until I received some job offers based on writing I’d done elsewhere. Your reputation does precede you, so be sure to always put your best effort out there.

4. Reliable and responsible. Show your clients that you deliver quality work on-time, and you’ll quickly build a good reputation among editors.

Yes, sometimes life happens and you’ll need an extension; most clients will understand that–so long as it only happens once in a while. Simply contact your client and let them know ahead of time, and they’ll appreciate your professional attitude.

5. Organized. As a self-employed person, you have to keep track of everything including assignments, due dates, research, invoices, tax information, and more, so if you’re naturally scatterbrained and not willing to work on being organized, freelance writing may not be the best career choice for you.

I keep an editorial calendar for each month to keep assignments straight and often work in blocks of time, e.g., research for a half hour on one assignment, invoicing for ten minutes, email for fifteen minutes, write another assignment for a half hour, etc. It not only keeps me organized, it also allows me to reward myself for good behavior throughout the day and keeps me motivated.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for Great Freelance Writing Resources to Get You Started!

Also free free to bookmark, Stumble, and share these posts with friends via email, your blog, and Twitter. The more people we have reading them, the more ideas and suggestions we can come up with in the comments. We freelance writers have to stick together!

What do you think are the most important qualities freelance writers should have?

Ooooohhhhhhhh! I am SO freaking excited that you’re writing about this!!! It’s such good timing.

What I’d really love to see is a sample query letter – maybe one to a magazine. I have seen them in books, etc. but I’d love to see a real live sample of a letter written by someone I actualy KNOW. (well, you know…kinda know….in the sense of blogger “knowing.”)

Michelle, great topic to expore! I think sustainable enthusiasm is important. It is easy to be all motivated one day, write like crazy, and then the next day to think, eh, I’ll probably never get published. (how do I know this?? hmmmmm). I think it is part of discipline, maybe, but also a positive mental outlook.

Ciao Michelle! Oooh… I will be glued to Bleeding Espresso all week! Thank you in advance for sharing your wealth of experiences and insight. It really helps those of us trying to get started with freelance writing! This post is a great start. You have given me 5 important things to focus on now. Sometimes it really is hard just to know where to start!

I second Salena’s request… I don’t know much at all about writing query letters. Do you have any tips for that? Also, is it customary to include a resume? What if you are just getting started? Thanks again Michelle!

Thank you, Michelle – the Bleeding Espresso freelance writing seminar couldn’t have been more timely. I’m sure we’ll all benefit from your generosity, expertise and tremendous insight. I second Salena and Laura’s question, adding my own appendage, what is the best solution as far as submission letters: short and coldly to the point, or a luring essay?
I think the following tool freelance writer wannabes need – after your introductory and inspiring tips – is practical examples. The “cv or not cv” debate, some query letter templates, tone and intention expressed in each, etc.
Grazie, lovely muse. Ciao

Since I really don’t want to be a FT Freelance Writer- for me it is important to be choosey about what I write. I really only want to write about the things I am passionate about and have a working knowledge of- this way the work is interesting to me- and therefore the finished product will be better.

But, since I am interested in Italy, France, food, wine, travel and antiques- I guess I have a pretty big pool to pull from 🙂

And I would say another another important trait of freelancers would be the ability to network well. This way jobs could come to you…as well as the other way around!

I’ll be tuning in all week for info!

My Melange’s last blog post..Women’s Italy Retreat

Networking is definitely a part of it, but I kind of hate that word since it sounds a bit schmoozy…rest assured you *don’t* have to be schmoozy to make connections, thank goodness 🙂

I’d also like to add to what you said about being reliable, etc. etc. and about “life happening.” I emailed all of my clients when I had to go to TX last month for Dad and I think maybe because I was always on time (or early) with assignments they were that much more willing to give me time. I also have to say that I have great clients. 🙂 One of them even paid me without an invoice because he knew what I was going through.

Thanks for this post, I can’t wait to read the next ones. I’ve been dabbling in freelance work (mostly travel writing) for the past month, and its definately something I plan on pursuing further. Thanks for all the tips 🙂

I’ve been freelancing the last five years, ever since I stopped working full time when I had my daughter. But the last few months it hasn’t been such an easy task. The magazine I’d been regularly writing for just doesn’t have the budget for freelance and to be completely honest, I haven’t made that great an effort to find more freelance work. I think I’ve got to get back into the field though. Look forward to reading up on your pointers.

It’s so easy to get comfortable where you are; I had a similar thing happen to me around last summer when my three main gigs suddenly dried up in the same month! Yikes! Definitely a good reminder to always be on the lookout for opportunities….

Diane Monroe

03.24.2009

Thank you so much for sharing your insights! I am a full-time Mom and student right now and freelancing is my dream… I will keep your suggestions handy. Thanks again!

Ooh sounds like you have some built-in niches…I’ll talk more about those on Wednesday 🙂

This is definitely great timing. I can always use the extra tips, advice, and motivation to get going on a freelance career. I’d be interested to hear what you have to say about clips when you are just getting started.

I am sooooo excited about this week….and more if you do decide to extend it. I agree with Diana’s comment that self doubt can stop us in our tracks, assisted with a full dose of daily life. Worse yet, I think creative people tend to be more melancholy so we really have to beef up when it comes to rejection.
Looking eagerly forward to your series Michelle!!!
Bev

Absolutely! That’s where that determination comes in…it can be *very* discouraging when you’re just starting out and don’t even receive responses–believe me, I know. I swear if I ever hire writers, I’ll be sure to at least respond to all applicants 😉

Ciao Carissima!
A friend is looking for a freelance travel – events writer based in Naples for a very nice project…if you have anyone in mind, please contact him directly:
Jeffrey Kennedy
jjeffrey followed by kennedy located at gmail.com

Well that’s done it. I’m a new subscriber who is currently in limbo professionally. Have tossed the idea of freelancing around but had no idea how to get started. Am looking forward to the rest of this week now. Thank you for that 🙂 !